Dance Revolver

[Tommy tornado]

Anybody shoot a Dance Revolver Reproduction?  http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_92_187_189&products_id=883  Curious because of the missing recoil shield.  Also it would go with my persona of a Texas Civil War Vet.

[St. George]

There's a couple of books that talk about 'real' Dance revolvers that may interest you.

'Dance and Brothers - Texas Gunmakers to the Confederacy' - Wiggins
'Confederate Handguns' - Albaugh, Benet, Simmons

The absence of the recoil shield was determined by Dance to be a practical design - noting that any percussion cap fragments moved laterally - and 'away' from the other caps on the weapon.

Others saw it as a danger - since simultaneous detonation could and did occur.

I'd guess that it's a case of 'You pays yer money and you takes yer chances...'

Modern manufacture and caps are much more reliable than they were during the time.

In any event - the highest 'observed' serial number on originals is 324 - though no one knows an exact number - nor to whom they were issued, since Dance did not have a Government Contract - according to Albaugh, et al.

If you decide against getting one - and portray a Texas Veteran - use 'their' supply system - get a Federal's 1860 Army or 1851 Navy...

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Forty Rod]

You could always get the Dance and dress as Geronimo.

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[Trinity]

I've got one.  Haven't shot it yet, but as far as looks, like most Pietta guns, it is a pretty nice gun for the money.  I don't have any concerns about how well it will shoot.  I got mine because it was Texan and unique.

[Tommy tornado]

There's a couple of books that talk about 'real' Dance revolvers that may interest you.

'Dance and Brothers - Texas Gunmakers to the Confederacy' - Wiggins
'Confederate Handguns' - Albaugh, Benet, Simmons

The absence of the recoil shield was determined by Dance to be a practical design - noting that any percussion cap fragments moved laterally - and 'away' from the other caps on the weapon.

Others saw it as a danger - since simultaneous detonation could and did occur.

I'd guess that it's a case of 'You pays yer money and you takes yer chances...'

Modern manufacture and caps are much more reliable than they were during the time.

In any event - the highest 'observed' serial number on originals is 324 - though no one knows an exact number - nor to whom they were issued, since Dance did not have a Government Contract - according to Albaugh, et al.

If you decide against getting one - and portray a Texas Veteran - use 'their' supply system - get a Federal's 1860 Army or 1851 Navy...

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

I already have a brace of Navies and an 1860 Army with a fluted cylinder.  Just looking at something a bit different.  Debate is going between a Dance and Brothers pistol, a single action Starr, or a Rodeo with 7 1/2 inch barrel as to my next purchase with money made from making holsters. 

[Tommy tornado]

I have always liked the look of the rounded barrel instead of the normal 1851 Navy barrel.

[44caliberkid]

I have a Dance Bros. and have shot it at several matches. It is very accurate, yes, I like the round barrel also.  The only trouble with the absence of the recoil shield is that it tends to drop the red hot, just fired cap, into the web of your hand, between the trigger finger and thumb.  Trying to sight your next shot with it sizzling in there is very challenging.  However, after a couple of stages, the nerves are fried and you get a callous in there, so it's not so bad.  I do really like my Dance revolver.  I've seen pictures of a Dance cartridge conversion, that would make a real interesting and different pistola.

[hellgate]

44 cal Kid,
Maybe you need to sell that sizzling capgun to a lefty like me. I never get cap burns unless I shoot double duelist or two handed.

[44caliberkid]

Hellgate, a good solution.   You have helped me out, as I shoot handguns equally well with either hand, I'll just shoot the Dance left handed.  I write left handed, throw, shoot a rifle or handgun with the right hand, and shoot shotgun left handed 'cause my left eye is my master eye.  Never occoured to me to shoot the Dance with the left to avoid the cap problem, thanks.

[US Scout]

I've got one as well and like shooting it.  Hadn't noticed the burning cap problem, probably because I shoot double-duelist and have always shot it with my left hand.  Didn't even know I'd make a good decision on that until now! 

[Sundance]

Yep seems a good choice for a lefty like me.